Ian bows out after 50 years service

AN Annan man who served his entire working career at one company was recognised during a special presentation last week prior to his retirement.

Ian Pool, 66, joined the Newbie boiler manufacturers Cochran back in 1975 at the age of 16, after leaving Annan Academy.

Thinking back to that time, he said: “The year I started there was a fire. They had to do quite a lot of re-work.

“I can remember going across the bridge and I could see the black smoke. I was meant to start there after the summer and I thought I would maybe not get in.

“Back then, when I started, they had a training school, and you got a broad base training in all the different aspects. I think there was 12 of us. And then you got picked to go into the different aspects.

“Cochran was a massive place back then, a lot of men worked there and it was totally different. I served my time with some great tradesmen.” Ian served his time as a plater. And throughout his years working with the company he also served as a shop steward and was convenor of GMB.

Away from Cochran he was also known for being a mobile DJ, something he did part time for four decades before finishing a couple of years ago.

Ian attained 50 years of service in August and retired earlier this month.

Last Friday morning Cochran senior management thanked Ian for his service, while deputy lord lieutenant Hardip Atwal presented a card from King Charles and Queen Camilla, after which Ian admitted he was quite taken aback.

He added: “I have enjoyed my time and met a lot of good people. I have taken some knocks but I kept coming back.”

Looking forward to his retirement, Ian plans to take his dog for plenty of walks, tend to the greenhouse and spend time at his caravan.